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Everyone who works at Daydream Inc. knows of the legendary top recruit, Kim Soleum. It’s hard not to know him when he’s one of, if not, the best performing employee in the whole company. His results leave nothing to want for. The higher ups absolutely love him for all the work he’s done and managed to bring back.
You’d think someone who’s the top recruit of a crazy mega corporation like Daydream would be downright evil and power hungry but surprisingly, he’s a pretty great guy. Those who have worked with him or had the pleasure of meeting have had nothing but good things to say about the man. He’s serious and a bit stoic but is very helpful with dealing with Darknesses and though he may not seem like it, always willing to save you from a tough spot with very little benefit to himself, if any at all. Ask that one administrator he saved from an unregistered Darkness once.
As a bonus, Kim Soleum is quite handsome. He looks as if he could be an actor for the male lead in a drama, that’s how attractive he is. With pale, unblemished skin, double eyelids, and fairly tall, he’s the ideal man really. Anyone with eyes would instantly be drawn to him.
That’s right.
A guy like Kim Soleum would have people lining up in droves just to have a chance to go on a date with him, and in a way, people did. Many employees at Daydream Inc. would kill for the opportunity to get together with someone like Kim Soleum.
Some brave individuals have tried to before, but were often misunderstood or rejected with no particular reason provided other than that the man himself wasn’t looking for a relationship right now.
Those who have tried would feel bitter about it if Kim Soleum didn’t show how sincere he was with his feelings on the matter. One couldn’t help but be fond of him for his rather gentle disposition.
Still…
Rejection hurts like a bitch. Especially when it’s from someone as hot as Kim Soleum.
And, of course, there are some people who couldn’t comprehend his refusal for what it was and persistently kept trying to push for a date. He’d usually just leave but during one incident, a bomb was dropped that sent a wave of shock and confusion throughout the entire company.
“Why not!? What do you mean ‘you’re not looking for a relationship right now’!? That isn’t a real answer!”
“I’m sorry but I really can’t accept your feelings…I would appreciate it if you would please accept that.”
“No! Not until you give me a real reason why you won’t accept! Am I not good enough or something? Is that it?!”
“…because I…”
“Because of what? Come on! Tell me already!”
“I’m sorry but I’m already taken…! I’m already in a relationship so, if you could please, leave me alone. I simply cannot accept your feelings. Goodbye now…”
With those last words, Kim Soleum moved to the side and left the office building. Presumably back to his home.
Back to a partner…
A partner…..
Kim Soleum was taken……
Kim Soleum was in a relationship…….
……………
!!!!
‘Kim Soleum’s in a relationship!?!’
‘What?!?’
-///-
News spread like wildfire.
It was the hottest cup of tea that anyone had heard since that one Darkness that nearly destroyed the company. Everyone was interested in the Monster Rookie’s sudden relationship status change.
“Hey! Did you hear? Kim Soleum’s already in a relationship with someone!”
“Are you serious? There’s no way! It must be a recent thing, right?”
“Absolutely! If it wasn’t, why haven’t we heard about this before? This kind of thing is hard to keep secret forever!”
“Man…honestly should’ve expected it to happen sooner or later. I mean, it’s Kim Soleum after all…”
“Hm? Does anyone know how long he’s been off the market for?”
“Not sure yet…maybe someone from his batch might know!”
People were scrambling to get their hands on as much information as they could. Many assumed that Kim Soleum being in a relationship was a relatively new development but were sorely mistaken when it turned out to be completely false.
“Ah, well…my partner and I have been together for a few years now…we recently got married actually before I joined the company, you see.”
“I see. Congratulations on your marriage.”
‘WHAT?!? MARRIED?! HE’S MARRIED ALREADY??? WITH WHO????’
If the first revelation caused a stir, this next one was like an earthquake had struck the people in the company.
“Dang…that’s crazy…”
“Yeah, sounds about right. There’s no way someone like him would be single this late in life. Good for him.”
“What! He’s married!? Already?? But he’s so young!”
“It can’t be true right? It just can’t be…”
People were shocked to learn such surprising news. Many even went in mourning at the news of Kim Soleum’s secret relationship. He was a very popular guy at the office.
Once the storm that was the discovery of Kim Soleum‘s surprise marital status was quelled, a new fire was lit within the workers of Daydream Inc. A fire that wanted to know more. More about the mysterious and excellent top recruiter and who could possibly be this person’s significant other.
The people wanted to know.
……
This kind of drama wasn’t very common despite them literally working for a giant corporation that specializes in potion making and paranormal exploration.
Normal office gossip was rare and savored.
So, many sought to figure out the kind of person who Kim Soleum would have as a lifelong companion. Surely someone as amazing as Kim Soleum would have an equally as amazing partner, right?
Though asking the man about his partner proved to be unproductive as he was quite tight lipped about whoever this unknown person was. Every time someone tried to bring it up, he’d immediately shut the topic down. Sighting that it was unprofessional and to please not pry into his personal life while at work.
People, being too intimidated by the thought of being shunned by the best worker of the company immediately stopped questioning the man and carried on business as usual when interacting with him.
But!
The curiosity remained and only grew with time. Especially when Kim Soleum’s wedding ring was discovered by a fellow batchmate while they were exploring and the front of his shirt was torn during a close encounter with a Darkness entity.
Other than nearly passing out at the sight of Kim Soleum’s bare chest, a tiny little trinket on a simple chain necklace was seen by the other employee and nearly got her killed when she had been slightly distracted by it. To this day, she can’t help but thank all the lucky gods out there for her miraculous survival.
Anyways.
Apparently, Kim Soleum wears his wedding ring as a necklace rather than going the traditional route of wearing it on his ring finger. It made sense considering his job as a Field Exploration Member and seemed in character for the private man. Keeping the personal parts of him hidden and away from the public eye.
The people who knew the most about Kim Soleum’s relationship were those closest to him, unsurprisingly. Which included those of his squad, a few select rookies he joined with, and unexpectedly, some of the security team.
The higher ups didn’t really bother with the office gossip in the lower ranks very much but it is believed that they also know to a degree.
Just like their dark haired colleague, those in the know are very frugal with the information they’re willing to provide. Getting any kind of intel from them is honestly worse than trying to get it from the man in question. Especially with members of the D-Squad.
Section Chief Lee Jaheon would either respond with a blank stare that would make you shrink ten times your size or tell you that it wasn’t concerning company business thus people had no merit knowing it. Assistant Manager Eun Haje would curse you out for even daring to bring it up in her presence, sometimes throwing in a threat or two about sleeping with one eye open. And Supervisor Park Minseong would just smile and play dumb to the question, all while giving a firm pat on the shoulders.
Needless to say, no one asked them ever again.
No one really wanted to get a hold of the security team for this kind of thing so that pathway was a bust before it was even an option.
The other rookies were a bit of a mixed bag in this regard though.
Some would claim that they knew Kim Soleum well and say that his partner was someone who was complete trash and a total bum which was why he never talked about them. A few said that his partner was someone in the company, one of the higher ups in fact! It’s why he was so successful and that he had essentially slept his way to the top.
People didn’t generally pay too much attention to those kinds of information. It was too quickly shut down by how popular he was and how many who did really know would fiercely defend the man’s honor and integrity. Not that the man himself knew about what some of his batch mates were saying about him.
The two people who were confirmed to be rather close with Kim Soleum didn’t have much to say on the matter.
Go Yeongeun would just ignore any questions regarding the topic and rumors, or outright said she wouldn’t be talking about it without expressed permission from Kim Soleum himself.
Jang Heowoon, despite being so timid and rather awkward, remained firm in his silence to the onslaught of inquiries. Never once confirming or disagreeing with any question about the mysterious partner. Though he often seemed rather shaken about it, something most people wrote as him just being his usual weak-willed self.
All the rumors and gossip floating around would eventually reach Kim Soleum and he was quite embarrassed about how much of a big deal it was made out to be. He wanted to hide his face away forever and never show himself outside ever again when he realized how invested people were in his personal life. Somewhat wondering if this counted as workplace harassment and bullying.
He was so distraught by how many people at his work kept wanting to know about his relationship that he went home and vented all about it to his beloved spouse when he found out about the rumor mill.
It wasn’t to have them fix the problem or anything. He just wanted to tell someone about his worries and who else but his partner in life and death.
Braun certainly wasn’t very happy at the thought of his Beloved having a hard time at his job.
He was already not particularly thrilled when he learned of the kind company his Dear Kim Soleum would be working at but reframed from pushing the issue and instead tried to be encouraging even if he didn’t understand.
As far as he knew, the kind work his Husband did as a Daydream Inc work wasn’t very suited for him and Braun can’t help but lament how his Beloved turned down his offer as a cohost on the late night talk show.
Truly regrettable.
But as a Good Husband, compromises must be made to ensure a happy marriage. He must do his utmost to love and support his Dear in whatever the other wishes to pursue. Only stepping in when it was really necessary lest he upset Kim Soleum with his coddling and interference.
Which is why, right now, Braun wishes nothing more than to put Kim Soleum’s worries to rest and incinerate whoever or whatever was making his Darling upset.
The furrow between his brows was completely unacceptable.
Since killing his coworkers and colleagues would only make the other sad and angry, Braun settled for something else instead.
Putting on his best suit and combing his hair to perfection. He prepared himself in a way he’d only done for two occasions. His on screen appearance and his wedding. One must look to the pinnacle of perfection and professionalism if one wants to make an impactful impression.
Departing from his studio, he went to the front building of Daydream Inc. with a bouquet of roses he had freshly prepared to give to his unsuspecting Husband.
It was for their dinner date later that night. He could already imagine the red of the other’s cheeks and ears.
“Good day to you, Miss!”
The receptionist at the front seemed startled at the cheery voice. Looking up to the owner of said voice, she was even more stunned by the handsome blond man standing before her. Practically bending over the desk with how massive he was.
“Oh! Um—Ah! Hello! How can I help you, sir..!”
Her face was like a red cherry from her fluster and embarrassment as she tried to maintain her steadily crumbling composure in the face of such a visual assault on her psyche.
“I was wondering if it would be possible for me to drop these lovely flowers for my Partner. He works here if I’m not mistaken.”
He made sure to smile his best smile when addressing the woman sitting in her seat, still slack-jawed and steam slowly coming out of her ears.
“It's our anniversary, you see and I’d like to surprise him before he clock out of work later.”
“O-Of course! Right away, sir! May I ask who your spouse is? We can have it delivered to them or hold on to it until they finish with their work.”
“Oh, there’s no need for that kind of trouble! I can simply drop it off at his desk and be on my way. I’d just like to know where his office is!”
“Uh! Well…!”
Caught in between her responsibilities to her workplace and her unwitting desire to please the gentleman in front of her, the receptionist found herself at a loss for words on how to respond. She couldn’t help but want to agree to let him into the building and tell him whatever he needed even though she knew that it was strictly against policy to allow for outsiders to know any sort of incriminating information on the company.
She knew!
But……
This man was very nice to her and he’s been nothing but polite. Surely, it wouldn’t hurt to at least lead him to his spouse’s office and help him deliver his gift. It was such a sweet gesture too! Such a small thing wouldn’t be too bad, right?
Just as she was about to agree to his request, a flustered voice rang out from one of the corridor entrances.
“Braun..! What are you doing here?”
Kim Soleum comes into the front lobby with a slightly harried look. He appeared to be a bit out of breath and kept darting his eyes from the receptionist to the tall visitor next to her.
“My Love! Oh how wonderful it is to see you!”
‘?????’
The visitor, Braun apparently, enthusiastically walked over to the other man and embraced him passionately. Despite Kim Soleum being fairly taller than most of the men in their office, he seemed tiny in comparison to this Braun fellow who practically engulfed him when they hugged.
The receptionist couldn’t help but wonder if it was due to this person’s genetics to be so large. He seemed like a foreigner in both his appearance and his mannerism. The thought made the most sense in her mind.
Regardless, what mattered was the scene currently playing out in front of her.
The scene of Kim Soleum shyly hugging the strange man back and speaking softly to him so that she couldn’t quite hear what was being said. He stopped when Braun pressed a kiss to his forehead and presented the roses he brought.
The surprise and subsequent fond smile that bloomed on Kim Soleum’s face could’ve started and ended wars.
It was the most expressive she’d seen of him and she would forever cherish in her memories. This time, when he spoke, she could hear what was said between the two.
“Thank you, Braun. I love them.”
His voice was so soft, they might have been plushies to cuddle to sleep. She could feel her heart slightly melting at his words and couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy at the love very clearly seen between the pair. Never before had she felt so single in her life.
With one final embrace, the couple parted with Braun dramatically wiping away a tear while Kim Soleum waved at him from the door, doing his best to hold back his amusement at the gesture.
By the time Kim Soleum apologized for the trouble he and his Husband may have caused, she feared that she may have developed a heart condition from how many times her heart clenched and throbbed at the cute scene that played out seconds earlier.
Perhaps she should go consult with her doctor later that day to ensure she wouldn’t end up with a heart attack later on.
Kim Soleum left with his bouquet back to his office room and a volcano erupted throughout the company building. Employees coming out from whatever corner they were hiding from, completely catching the receptionist off guard with all the snooping spies around her.
Apparently a few employees about to clock out had arrived upon the event from the moment Braun began talking to her and decided to watch to see what would happen. Who would’ve guessed that they’d discover the identity of Kim Soleum’s mysterious spouse this way.
Quite literally delivered to their doorsteps.
And what a spouse…
Tall, an absolutely giant, and with a sharp, clean face fit for a celebrity. Blonde hair gelled to the side in a neat style perfect for being on screen and a matching light colored suit with dark dress shoes bright enough to outshine anyone’s future.
It was no wonder someone like Kim Soleum would marry him. They were basically a match made in visual heaven.
“Woooow…that guy was massive!”
“He looks like a foreigner…never would’ve thought that Kim Soleum would go for someone like that.”
“I think his accent is American! How interesting!”
Chattering like a flock of birds, the news of Kim Soleum’s lifelong partner spread throughout the office and people were itching to find out more about the tall hot American Husband of their top employee.
Kim Soleum himself was none the wiser as he found that his attention was thoroughly occupied by the gift he’d gotten from Braun. It was a nice surprise after having to deal with horrible Darknesses a little while before. His heart couldn’t help but skip a beat when he saw the other at the front desk.
‘He’s always so dramatic with these gestures…’
“Hohhh…look what we have here..it seems our Roe Deer had a surprise visit from his special someone.~”
“Ah! Assistant Manager! Supervisor! Section Chief! Welcome back.”
The sudden arrival of his squad mates startled him out of his reverie as he tried to regain his composure and present a professional air about himself.
“Haha! No need to be shy. It's good to see a couple so happy and in love. Honestly, my teeth will probably rot from how sweet you both are.”
“Soleum must be happy for Braun-ssi to have dropped by and given you such a lovely gift.”
“Ah, well……yes, I am.”
Turning his gaze back to the roses, a warmth once again engulfed his chest as he remembered how today was their wedding anniversary. It’s hard to believe how long they’d been together.
“Kim Soleum.”
“Hm? Yes, Section Chief?”
“Are you satisfied with your marriage currently?”
“Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Very well then.”
Lee Jaheon didn’t say anything more than that. It perplexed Kim Soleum at first but later he came to realize that it was how his squad leader showed his concern for his subordinates. Often ready to help however he can even if he still remains strict with his handling of company business.
“Alright then! Let’s finish our reports as soon as we can so Roe Deer here can clock out quickly.”
“Oh! There’s no need to rush..! It’s not a big deal.”
“No way! We wouldn’t want to keep Braun waiting now would we? He’s not the most patient person after all.”
“Haha. Yeah, we should finish so you can go spend time with him, Soleum.”
“Ah, okay then. Let’s get to work I suppose.”
“…”
In the face of such a persistent and enthusiastic work ethic, Kim Soleum had no choice but to relent and do his part as quickly as possible as well. But he’d be lying to himself if he didn’t feel even a little sense of urgency when filling out his paperwork.
With how quickly everyone was working, it wasn’t long before they had all finished and was able to leave for the day, with Eun Haje and Park Minseong waving goodbye to their junior as they left for their respective homes and their leader inquiring about his relationship status again before departing for the company dorms.
Trekking from his workplace to his home with Braun, he couldn’t help but recall how they’d first met when Kim Soleum unexpectedly found himself waking up on Braun’s Tuesday Quiz Show a few years ago. The talk show host was so impressed by him and his stories, he decided to have him appear many more times as a guest before shifting to back stage crew to friends to something more than friends. All in the span of a year or so.
It was overwhelming at the time, and he wasn’t sure of their relationship throughout it all. But looking back, he couldn’t help but question why he ever doubted Braun. The man had never been anything but kind to him and made sure to go at his pace.
Braun made things simple to understand.
He took him away from the scary things in his previous life.
Has supported him no matter what happened.
It was easy to fall in love with him.
When the talk show host proposed to him out of the blue, of course, he said yes. Why wouldn’t he want to be with Braun?
Today marks their third wedding anniversary and it still felt like first. Every time he saw Braun, it was as if he was falling in love with the other all over again. So overwhelming and consuming, he felt like he couldn’t live without him in his life. It warmed his insides to have someone like him also be just as in love with him as he was with Braun.
Opening the door to their shared home, he saw the other without his suit jacket on, standing there in front of the door as if waiting for him.
“I’m back.”
[Welcome home, My Husband! I hope things are going well.]
“Things are even better now that you’re here.”
Stepping closer to each other, Kim Soleum could feel large yet gentle arms wrap around him as he leaned on the chest before him. Taking in comfort at returning to his rightful place.
[Is that so? Then you must be exhausted from work. Shall we freshen up before heading to our dinner reservation?]
“Alright then, let’s do that.”
[Splendid! Let’s be off then. We wouldn’t want to be late.]
“……”
[…? My Dear?]
“I love you, Braun. Thank you for being with me.”
[And I love you as well, My Kim Soleum. Not a day goes by where I am not grateful to have been the first to have met you.]
“Hm…let's go.”
The two of them slightly parted but didn’t disconnect. Still holding each other’s hands as they moved from the front door further into their house. Braun never once loosened his grip on his Husband’s hand and Kim Soleum, happy to go along with the whims of his beloved.
Neither could be happier than they currently are.
It was truly fortunate that they met each other when they did. No one could be more perfect for each other than Braun, the talk show host, and Kim Soleum, the cowardly salary man.